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Entertainment • Journalism

Don Lemon

Don Lemon is an American television journalist and author best known for his long career at CNN, where he worked from 2006 until 2023.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Don Lemon is an American television journalist and author. He is best known for his 17-year career at CNN, where he anchored programs such as Don Lemon Tonight and CNN This Morning. Born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1966, Lemon left CNN in 2023 and later launched independent media projects.

Early life and education

Don Lemon was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1966. Public biographical sources identify him as an American journalist who later built a national broadcasting career.

Career at CNN

Lemon joined CNN in 2006 and rose to prominence as a prime-time anchor. He hosted Don Lemon Tonight and later co-hosted CNN This Morning before leaving the network in 2023.

Post-CNN career

After CNN, Lemon moved into independent media, including a show associated with X and later YouTube-based projects. His post-CNN work has focused on commentary and interviews.

Recognition and public profile

Lemon has received industry recognition for broadcast journalism, including an Edward R. Murrow Award and several regional Emmy Awards. He has also remained a prominent public figure in U.S. political and media coverage.

Key facts

  • Don Lemon joined CNN in 2006 and became one of the network’s best-known anchors.
  • He hosted CNN programs including Don Lemon Tonight and later CNN This Morning.
  • CNN ended his contract in April 2023.
  • After leaving CNN, he pursued independent projects, including The Don Lemon Show.
  • He has received journalism awards, including an Edward R. Murrow Award and regional Emmy Awards.
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Canadian context

Don Lemon is relevant to Canadian readers as a major North American broadcast journalist whose coverage of U.S. politics and culture has been widely followed in Canada.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Don Lemon?
Don Lemon is an American television journalist and author best known for his long career as a CNN anchor and host.
How old is Don Lemon?
Don Lemon was born on March 1, 1966, which makes him 60 years old as of July 2026.
What happened to Don Lemon?
He left CNN in 2023 after the network ended his contract. He later moved into independent media and launched post-CNN projects.
Was Don Lemon fired from CNN?
Yes. Multiple sources report that CNN ended his contract in April 2023 after a 17-year tenure.
Where is Don Lemon now?
As of 2026, he is working as an independent journalist and hosting his own media projects, including The Don Lemon Show.
What is Don Lemon’s net worth?
Reliable, up-to-date net worth figures are not established in the provided sources, and estimates vary widely across media reports.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Lemon
    Supports: Born March 1, 1966; joined CNN in 2006; hosted Don Lemon Tonight; fired by CNN in April 2023; later announced The Don Lemon Show.
  2. BBC Newshttps://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c24gm3dz36po
    Supports: Describes Lemon as a former CNN anchor; states he was dismissed from CNN in April 2023; notes he was working as an independent journalist.
  3. TV Insiderhttps://www.tvinsider.com/people/don-lemon/
    Supports: Birth date March 1, 1966; birth place Baton Rouge, Louisiana; age 60.
  4. Peoplehttps://people.com/tag/don-lemon/
    Supports: Identifies Lemon as an American journalist and TV news anchor; notes he joined CNN in 2006 and received journalism awards.
  5. CBS Newshttps://www.cbsnews.com/news/don-lemon-in-custody-former-cnn-anchor-sources-say/
    Supports: States that CNN fired him in 2023 and that he later launched independent media projects, including The Don Lemon Show and a YouTube-hosted show.
  6. IMDbhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm0501500/
    Supports: Birth date and age; marital status; biography details.